Star builder German Moreno belied talk that Shaina Magdayao and boyfriend John Lloyd Cruz have gotten back together.

Apparently, the rumor began after the couple was spotted attending together the Rachelle Ann Go and Erik Santos-starrer “Little Mermaid” and a concert by Jed Madela recently. Recall that just a few weeks earlier, the two admitted in separate interviews with “The Buzz” and ABS-CBN News to working things out in their relationship following Magdayao’s latest SMS/Twitter issue with Cruz’s ex Ruffa Gutierrez.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 211 out of 764 examinees passed the Librarian Licensure Examination given by the Board for Librarians in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, and Legazpi this November.

The members of the Board for Librarians who gave the licensure examination are Corazon M. Nera, chairman; Arabella M. Ananoria and Mila M. Ramos, members.

Two popular radio jocks have addressed the call of Sorsogon bishop Arturo Bastes for the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) to monitor, censor, and punish DJs that use what he deemed as foul language especially during their late night programs.

DJ Chacha of Tambayan 101.9 stood her ground on the matter, saying in an interview aired on “Umagang Kay Ganda,” Nov. 28, that her late-night radio show, where she entertains listeners' calls and gives advice on their personal woes, is not all about sex.

Veteran actor and comedian Joey de Leon trended on Twitter while he was on ABS-CBN talk show "The Buzz" last Nov. 27.

De Leon, who ranked fifth on the list Sunday afternoon, was on the show to promote “Won’t Last A Day Without You,” a film where he plays the father of actress Sarah Geronimo. Informed of the matter, de Leon simply shrugged it off saying, “dahil sa inyo ‘yun,” alluding to show host, Toni Gonzaga.

Several Twitter users were thrilled to see the reunion of sorts between Gonzaga and de Leon. Gonzaga started her career under the latter’s wings as a co-host in the long-running noontime show, "Eat Bulaga," on GMA-7. She jumped ship to ABS-CBN soon after.

KC Concepcion has finally laid long-running speculations to rest by admitting that she and Piolo Pascual have called it quits after an estimated year-long romance.

In what may well be her most emotional interview to date via "The Buzz" on Nov. 27, KC did not reveal the reason behind their breakup because "ayoko lang makasakit ng tao." She likewise begged off answering her co-host Boy Abunda's query if there's a third party involved in the split.

She continued, “It was really, ‘yung sinabi ko, the kind of freedom I was looking for. Freedom in terms of artistic, you know, creative control, ganyan. Pero more than that, totoo ‘yun ‘nay [referring to Cristy], talagang…

Maja Salvador respects Coco Martin’s decision to not work with her in the meantime “out of respect” for her boyfriend, Matteo Guidicelli.

As reported by Push.com.ph, Coco admitted during his birthday press conference on Nov. 15 that he personally asked ABS-CBN’s talent management arm Star Magic to avoid putting him and Maja in the same projects. This is in light of his and Matteo’s well-publicized altercation at the Star Magic Ball held last Sept. 3, which Maja herself admitted to have caused.

At least that is what the friends of the high profile couple are saying now that the smoke has cleared between husband and wife.

The story according to unimpeachable sources is that when Jinkee Pacquiao left the country to watch the fight of Manny against Marquez last Nov. 12 in Las Vegas, she was armed with a lot of papers for the confrontation with her husband.

24 November 2011

A lawyer-activist Wednesday offered P50,000 to the Philippine National Police (PNP) in exchange for the release of the controversial mugshots of embattled former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Lawyer Argee Guevarra made the offer in a letter addressed to PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome.

“I am offering to purchase from the PNP duly certified copies of the mugshots of former President Gloria- Macapagal-Arroyo (representing her left, right and from profiles) in the amount of R50,000,” Guevarra stated in his letter dated Wednesday.

A new, ultrathin, ultraflexible implant loaded with sensors can record the electrical storm that erupts in the brain during a seizure with nearly 50-fold greater resolution than was previously possible. The level of detail could revolutionize epilepsy treatment by allowing for less invasive procedures to detect and treat seizures. It could also lead to a deeper understanding of brain function and result in brain-computer interfaces with unprecedented capacity.

Sharon Cuneta has signed up with TV5, officially abandoning her home network of many years, ABS-CBN. TV5 is assigning Sharon a daily talk show not unlike those of Oprah’s or Ellen Degeneres.’ The megastar signed a 5-year contract with TV5.

Sharon’s entry into TV5 further bolsters the network’s growing reputation as the new home of the major stars. TV5 earlier signed Nora Aunor to a 3-year contract while movie queen Susan Roces is topbilling her second teleserye for the network after “Babaeng Hampaslupa.”

22 November 2011

Singer-actress Jolina Magdangal and Rivermaya drummer Mark Escueta exchanged marriage vows in a very private ceremony held at the Splendido Taal Golf and Country Club in Tagaytay City, Cavite, Nov. 21.

To fast-track the cases of inmates, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) is working on compiling all the lists of inmates in the country, complete with their personal information and status of their cases, then encoding the data in their computerized records.

Based on the directive given by BJMP Chief Director Rosendo M. Dial, all wardens in the country should update their lists of inmates and submit them to their central office for compilation and inclusion in the bureau’s com-puterized records.

Manny Pacquiao’s arrival in the country on Nov. 21 was met not only with warm cheers from family, friends, and fans but with controversies relating to his recent match with Juan Manuel Marquez.

The actor-boxer nonetheless appeared cool when asked about having been displaced by Floyd Mayweather, Jr. from the top spot of the pound-for-pound rankings of ESPN, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo! Sports.

Recently revamped TV5 romped off with more nominations than ABS-CBN and GMA-7 in this year's Asian Television Awards (ATA).

The finalists in the 2011 ATA were announced Thursday by organizing publication,

Television Asia Plus, which were trimmed from a total of 224 entries spanning 13 countries.

TV5's "Talentadong Pinoy" and "Lokomoko" got the nod in the Best General Entertainment category and Best Comedy Programme categories, respectively. "Ito Ang Buhay Ko," the theme song from the network's “Star Confessions,” also landed on the ATA Best Theme Song shortlist.

Manny Pacquiao’s much-debated win against Juan Manuel Marquez has apparently affected the former’s overall standing in boxing as he moved from the top spot to second place in both ESPN and Sports Illustrated’s (SI) pound-for-pound tally.

The fighting congressman from Sarangani was displaced by Floyd Mayweather, Jr., whom fans dream for his next opponent.

At least 10 industries are now facing severe shortage of professionals due to low number of board examinees, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) said Thursday.

Citing PRC data from the past five years, PRC Commissioner Jennifer Manalili said in a media forum during the signing of a memorandum of agreement that the country in now facing an undersupply in some professions due the low turnout of students taking the needed courses.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has started its worldwide hunt for Maria Ramona Bautista, starting off with the request to foreign authorities to check if she entered their respective countries.

NBI Director Magtanggol Gatdula said their request for assistance was not only sent to the Turkey where Bautista was last located but virtually to all the countries around the world.

Dutch brand Skins Mobile has launched a condom for mobile phones. The Skins Mobile allows continued use of your mobile phone whilst at the same time delivering waterproof protection. The concept was the brain-child of Rogier van Camp who had the idea while painting a swimming pool.

16 November 2011

Asus Philippines chose the perfect place to launch the grandeur that is the new ZENBOOK. Calling it a marriage between nature and technology, ASUS brought the event to the exclusive Lagen Island El Nido Resorts in Palawan. The ZENBOOK epitomizes tranquility that seamlessly integrates with the lives of users.

An 11-year-old Filipino kid earned a standing ovation from various dignitaries, philanthropists, and beauty queens with his performance at the Miss World 2011 Charity Ball held in London last Oct. 31.

Clark Gamul’s rendition of the Smokey Mountain classic “Paraiso” at the said event was met with warm cheers from the audience, as seen in the video recently uploaded by global corporate branding company Fusion Excel—in which Clark is a beneficiary and child ambassador for its “Hope For Children" program —on YouTube.

The highly anticipated fourth installment of The Twilight Saga, directed by Academy Award® winner Bill Condon, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN -- PART 1 reveals the mysteries of this romantic epic that has entranced millions. In theaters November 18, 2011.

Whether you just got married, or you're on your way to your twentieth wedding anniversary, you don't want to think about the possibility that one of you could cheat, right? You're probably thinking: affairs happen to other couples, it won't happen to us. You and your partner have probably even talked about it. Your conversation probably went something like this:

15 November 2011

In celebration of its 400th anniversary, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) will host the biggest international higher education conference on Wednesday.

An estimated 800 delegates from Asia, Europe, America and Australasia are set to convene for the 7th QS Asia Pacific Professional Leaders in Education (QS-APPLE) Conference and Exhibition to be held until Friday, Nov. 18, 2011 at the newly constructed UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The conference, jointly organized by the QS Apple Academic Committee and the UST, will discuss the challenges of making higher education accessible to all in developing countries.

The Supreme Court (SC), in an 8-5 vote, issued Tuesday a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the watch list order (WLO) issued against former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, her husband former First Gentleman Jose Miguel T. Arroyo, and others facing investigation on the alleged poll fraud in the 2004 and 2007 elections in Mindanao.

The order allowed Mrs. Arroyo to seek medical treatment abroad. However, the SC imposed three conditions for the former First Couple to avail themselves of the TRO, according to SC Spokesman and Court Administrator Jose Midas P. Marquez.

KC Concepcion proudly represented the country as performer at the 26th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games held Nov. 11 in Palembang, Indonesia. She sang the sporting event’s theme song “Together We Will Shine” with “Malaysian Idol” winner Jaclyn Victor and Indonesian superstar Agnes Monica.

A federal prosecutor is warning parents against trading chicken pox-laced lollipops by mail in what authorities describe as misguided attempts to expose their children to the virus to build immunity later in life.

The warning came after media reports surfaced about a multi-state ring of parents, wary of vaccinations that prevent the disease, who were swapping lollipops licked by a sick child in a modern day incarnation of a chicken pox party.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., is known as leading global mobile phone provider. It takes pride of this tag that when other companies went to town with their flagship phones, Samsung took note -- literally. And so came the announcment on the commercial availability of GALAXY Note in Southeast Asia.

MB Technews got so intrigued with this hybrid of a mobile device that an order, and purchase, were immediately made.

So, what is this device, really? A huge phone? A small tablet? We'll let you decide.

In the film, Mumble -- The Master of Tap – has a problem because his tiny son, Erik, is choreo-phobic. Reluctant to dance, Erik runs away and encounters The Mighty Sven—a penguin who can fly! Mumble has no hope of competing with this charismatic new role model.

Manny Pacquiao’s struggle to a controversial victory over Juan Manuel Marquez could nudge the Filipino boxing icon closer to a megafight showdown against unbeaten US star Floyd Mayweather.

Pacquiao stretched his win streak to 15 fights with a majority decision over Marquez on Saturday at Las Vegas, but lacked the overpowering form he had shown in seven fights since a previous controversial triumph over Marquez in 2008.

14 November 2011

The Philippines snared three more golds in the 26th Southeast Asian Games Monday but remained in sixth place in the overall standings.

The total number of medal haul as of 6 p.m. Monday improved to 8-12-15 (gold, silver, bronze) with a total of 35, but the country is still trailing behind Indonesia (108 overall medals), Thailand (74), Vietnam (67), Singapore (45) and Malaysia (42).

To make students aware about issues concerning the environment, the Department of Education (DepEd) has launched photo-essay and video-making contests for public elementary and high schools.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro, through DepEd Memorandum No. 250 series of 2011, urged all regional directors, schools division or city superintendents and school heads “to support this campaign by encouraging more pupils or students to participate and submit more entries.”

Singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid is so inspired with the birth of his first son that he wrote a song for him.

Alcasid shared this on “Showbiz Central,” Nov. 13.

“Sa ngayon ginagawa ko na. Siguro next week matatapos ko [na ang kanta],” he said. The song, which will talk about the birth of his son Nathaniel James, is titled “Aking Anak.” He is hoping to sing the song in next Sunday’s “Party Pilipinas” episode.

The singer related how he was informed about his wife Regine Velasquez’ date with the stork.

Setting the record straight on his recently concluded, controversial 12-round fight with Mexican pugilist Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao seemingly took a jab at doubting Thomases and said he feels he really won the fight.

11 November 2011

The entertainment value and dramatic flair of ABS-CBN’s “Budoy” have Filipino viewers glued to the boobtube whenever it airs. More importantly, the primetime drama is seemingly changing people’s perception about the mentally challenged.

A clear example is that when some of its viewers commit mistakes, they no longer call themselves “abnoy,” “kulang-kulang,” or “abnormal” even in jest. An eight-year-old nephew of mine, Richard, when committing mistakes or when he stutters, would just say “Ako Budoy.” People around him would just laugh and say “he’s so cute.”

It is common in showbiz when couples keep denying their relationship until they call it quits.

The same holds water in the case of Ruffa Gutierrez and John Lloyd Cruz.

It was in 2008 when Ruffa and John Lloyd met on the set of the ABS-CBN’s adaptation of “I Love Betty La Fea.” Their friendship elevated to a serious relationship in March 2009 but they kept it private.

That’s senator Bong Revilla’s counter statement to Genelyn Magsaysay’s recent Facebook post in which she said Ramon Revilla, Sr. was remiss in sending them "support."

On Nov. 10, “TV Patrol” showed some messages posted by Magsaysay on her Facebook account. It read: “I need to work ASAP so I can have my own. I don’t like to hear them saying I’m a parasite. Before I met him I’m working already, now they’re telling me I am a parasite when the allowance that you are giving is not enough for monthly consumption.”

Last night might have been all about stringin' some tunes on the guitar for the 45th Annual CMA Awards in Nashville, but tonight, all the action was in Las Vegas for the 12th Annual Latin Grammy Awards.

With so many Latin lovers, including sexy stars like Sofia Vergara, Demi Lovato and Shakira, the show was sure to be muy caliente. And it was.

Increasing jackpots of the various on-line lotteries of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Ofﬁce (PCSO) continue to elude millions of punters as of Wednesday, with Grand Lotto 6/55 having the biggest jackpot at P77,177,499.20.

This was learned from PCSO General Manager Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II, who wished that bettors would have the chance to grab the jackpots in time for their Yuletide needs.

JUSTIN Bieber will take a paternity test to counter claims that he fathered a baby boy with a young California woman after a brief backstage encounter last year, a source close to the singer said on Monday.

The Canadian singer also is contemplating legal action against the woman for defamation, his spokesman said.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the President will be leaving at 4 p.m. Friday and will be back in the country Friday, Nov. 15, in time for his meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Nov. 16.

In 2009, artist and scientist Stephen Von Worley created a data visualization of every McDonald's in the U.S., using data from AggData. The map is once again making waves after a Redditor recently posted the map. Two years later, as more outposts have opened, the map remains a powerful visualization of just how omnipresent the fast food chain is.

Thousands of young people from across the country will gather in Dagupan City in Pangasinan Friday to take part in “Eleven Eleven Eleven” (Nov. 11, 2011), a nationwide praying of the rosary led by the youth, for world peace.

The event to be held at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist is part of the ongoing rosary prayer campaign “A Million Roses for the World,” which started last Oct. 10 with prayer intentions for Angola, and ends on May 30, 2012, with prayer intentions for the Philippines.

Based on the World Bank's "Ease of Doing Business" study that surveyed 183 countries, CNBC.com came up with their own list—The World's 10 Worst Countries for Business on November 3. The Philippines was ranked fourth because of its "unstable legal system, violence, and bureaucracy."